Room to Romp

Visitors who want to see more of Sacramento than its downtown attractions should head to William Land Park, a leafy oasis snugged into one of the city's loveliest neighborhoods. The 166-acre preserve just south of downtown is home to a zoo, a golf course, and an amusement park where dogs are not welcome, but it's laced with canine-friendly paths and well equipped with shady picnic areas. Mark your calendar for the annual Doggy Dash and Bark in the Park Festival held here every June to benefit the Sacramento SPCA. For off-leash fun, pop Rover in the car and head to one of the city's nine fenced and well maintained dog parks.